This year we again welcome the 54th Annual Summer Art Fair, Sunday, July 1st, in Stanley Johnston Memorial Park, directly behind Yelton Manor Bed and Breakfast. The fair always offers wonderful works of art from local artists, as well as artists from surrounding states.

For more information about the Art Fair, call the South Haven Center for the Arts at 269.637.1041. Art Center hours are Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm and 1-4pm on weekends.

One of our greatest personal passions at Yelton Manor B&B is supporting the local animal shelter, The Al-Van Humane Society.

We donate to their auctions, attend the events, and adopt our own cats from them.

One of the annual events that is very fun for visitors is “Paws on the Pier”, which attracts approximately 1000 animal lovers- most with their dogs! The fun includes canine obstacle courses and agility course, demonstrations, exhibits, and free product samples from our business sponsors, family fun in the arts and education tent-plus snacks, photos, 50/50 raffle, contests, and much more! Paws on the Pier is on June 30th, 2012.

We regret that Yelton Manor Bed and Breakfast is a pet-free inn, but we appreciate that most guests prefer the cleanliness, quiet and allergen-free zone. We are happy to recommend local boarding kennels if you are traveling with a pet and wish to stay with us.

Yelton Manor Bed and Breakfast puts you smack in the center of Michigan’s wine making area. Thanks to the wondrous micro-climate of Lake Michigan, cool in summer and warmer in winter, added to the sandy soil, grape vineyards are all over our area. We can direct you to any and all of them. Except for deep winter, there is always some kind of event wrapped around enjoying our wines, so check it out.

Our favorite is Fenn Valley Vineyards. The wine making and tasting rooms are tucked into the vineyards, making for a complete treat for all the senses. The owners are very hands-on, and the tours get A+ raves from our guests every time.

Just a short trip to the NE of us, with plenty of fun attractions along the way, like nurseries and greenhouses, antique stores, Saugatuck and Douglas for shopping and dining, Crane’s apple Orchards and much more. Our favorite day trip always includes Fenn Valley Winery.

We are very proud to have Foundry Hall walkable from our door, right downtown South Haven. Foundry Hall is a local artist’s haven, a place for original music, visual and performing arts, banquets and community events.

Saturday, June 23, 2012: 3rd Annual Rock Bands Reunion

“Now in it’s third year!! Relive old memories and dance the night away as Foundry Hall and South Haven’s legendary rock bands and musicians of the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s present the Annual Rock Band Reunion! Featuring members of “Day Blues,” “E’ Street Shuffle,” “December’s Children,” “Corner Store,” “Pure Smack,” “Mussies,” and many more. Tickets are limited, so get them early. Cash bar with wine and beer benefits the Two Rivers Coalition.”

The Michigan Maritime Museum is right around the corner from Yelton Manor B&B!

Whether you take a jaunt out on The Lindy Lou or a day’s adventure, including a sunset cruise, on tall ship Friends Good Will, you will have a spectacular time on beautiful Lake Michigan. The museum is fascinating to tour and we love the gift shop for wonderful South Haven souvenirs.

Frequently hosting special events, our personal favorite is over HarborFest weekend, the June 16, 2012 Classic Wooden Boat Show Festival. Robert spent some years as President of the Board at the Michigan Maritime Museum and we are diehard fans and benefactors.

The ultimate summer festival spans between two July weekends in 2012, as July 4th lands smack in between on a Wednesday! The Queen’s Cup boat race finishes in South Haven on Saturday, June 30th. The South Haven Center for the Arts fair is in Stanley Johnston Park, directly behind The Yelton Manor on Sunday, July 1st. Light up the Lake fireworks are on July 3, and our adorable parade is 11AM or so on July 4th.. Sure to be a rocking good time, best to make your reservations as early as you can.

The Yelton Manor gardens are also having their peak moment in this week. Walkable to all the fun, but out of earshot of the noisy harbor and downtown nightlife, YMBB also is the closest lodging in South Haven to the sandy beach.